Can I "train" for a Fender precision with a Squier Classic Vibe Precision?

[CallMeAl]

Once I learned to touch up frets and neck finishes, I stopped thinking about upgrades. I can take a 100, 200, 400 dollar instrument and get it to a place where I like it as much as any MIA. (Assuming the neck is straight and takes a setup well.)

And sometimes they're already fantastic right off the rack!

Another important point is specs and preferences. I'll take an Affinity over a Cv 9 times out of 10, as I just prefer her satin finish and the slightly slimmer profile.

I wanted to expand on this. If I wasn't inclined or able to work on my instruments, what would I choose?

There's the law of diminishing returns. As you climb the ladder (eg Affinity, CV, Player, AM pro) the instruments about double in price. But do they double in quality? IMHO/IME, No. I'd say it's like a 10-30% increase in quality. but these little details are what each individual player must decide on, if it's worth the price to them. I'd say the diminishing returns cap out at about the Squier CV/Paranormal/Anniversary tier. But as the thread attests, gems are found in the lower tiers. I've picked up several Affinities I'd gig as-is.

I say lay your hands on as many basses as you can and see for yourself. Try non-Fenders too. Plenty of great P-style basses out there. Ibanez and Yamaha (to name a few) make some great ones that many would argue are better bang for the buck choices than the similarly priced Fender counterparts.

If your favorite is an "affordable" (for you) instrument- great! If you fall in love with the MIA, nothing wrong with that either. You'll know what to save up towards. Image and pride are import parts of the selection too; if you make yourself settle, you'll always be wanting that MIA in the end.

Good luck!

 

[Rip Van Dan]

With CNC technology where it is, I'm not sure it works that way. You may find a Squier that sounds/feels as good as a US Fender. It really depends on the instrument. Many Squiers punch way above their weight class. And many US Fenders are sadly disappointing. Get yourself in a guitar shop and start playing both. You might be surprised.

I am a Jazz Bass guy since 1966 when I bought my first Jazz, a 1965 Jazz. That was stolen in 1976 along with all my touring gear and I wasn't able to get another Jazz until 1985, when I bought my '82 Jazz that is in my Avatar. I bought it because the neck shape, profile, and radius was the same as my '65 was and it felt like coming home when I played it. I've never been a fan of the Precision Bass because of its wide and thick neck.

And then in 2017, my grandson was given a Squier Affinity Precision with P/J pickups. He had been taking lessons for a little while then and was still quite the beginner. I was surprised when I played it that I was getting around pretty comfortably on it. Many P-basses I've played felt like I was trying the play the fat end of baseball bat to me...but not this one. I took a better look at the neck and although it was still a wider neck, it was a slim neck and not fat at all. It had a flatter radius than my Jazz, but I still got around on it just fine.

So, it depends on which Precision Bass you get. They've come with 3 or 4 different versions of their neck, some being fatter than others but I'd never seen one this slim. Front to back it almost as slim as my Jazz. So go take a look at an MIA P-bass and see how you like the neck. Then check out the neck on the Squier. I don't know if the Squier version you're looking at has the same neck shape and profile as their Advantage P-bass, I'm just saying try to get a Squier that has a similar neck to the P-bass you aspire to so you don't get upset at the neck when you finally get one. That Advantage was I believe the bottom of the Squier line and I was impressed with both its playability and its sound. And that's high praise coming from a Jazz Bass player.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

It's the same bass
It's like buying a pair of Denizen from Levi jeans to get ready to wear Levi's, they're pants.
Some pants for higher quality than others but they all serve the same function and some are better suited for different applications, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

 

[ThudThudThud]

I am a Jazz Bass guy since 1966 when I bought my first Jazz, a 1965 Jazz. That was stolen in 1976 along with all my touring gear and I wasn't able to get another Jazz until 1985, when I bought my '82 Jazz that is in my Avatar. I bought it because the neck shape, profile, and radius was the same as my '65 was and it felt like coming home when I played it. I've never been a fan of the Precision Bass because of its wide and thick neck.

And then in 2017, my grandson was given a Squier Affinity Precision with P/J pickups. He had been taking lessons for a little while then and was still quite the beginner. I was surprised when I played it that I was getting around pretty comfortably on it. Many P-basses I've played felt like I was trying the play the fat end of baseball bat to me...but not this one. I took a better look at the neck and although it was still a wider neck, it was a slim neck and not fat at all. It had a flatter radius than my Jazz, but I still got around on it just fine.

So, it depends on which Precision Bass you get. They've come with 3 or 4 different versions of their neck, some being fatter than others but I'd never seen one this slim. Front to back it almost as slim as my Jazz. So go take a look at an MIA P-bass and see how you like the neck. Then check out the neck on the Squier. I don't know if the Squier version you're looking at has the same neck shape and profile as their Advantage P-bass, I'm just saying try to get a Squier that has a similar neck to the P-bass you aspire to so you don't get upset at the neck when you finally get one. That Advantage was I believe the bottom of the Squier line and I was impressed with both its playability and its sound. And that's high praise coming from a Jazz Bass player.

The 'Modern C' neck that Fender use is a great fit for my hands. I have absolute shovels for hands, but I can't do the Louisville Slugger necks.

 

[SteveLo42]

if you make yourself settle, you'll always be wanting that MIA in the end.

This is generally a huge problem for me in choosing an instrument!

 

[kevinpmajka]

If you want a p bass style instrument, $500 used can get you a Sire P5R (rosewood fretboard) or P5 (roasted maple fretboard).

Squires can be nice but these Sire necks are so comfortable and consistent.

I had one of the 2009 Squier Classic Vibes. I sold my heavily modded blue 60's P after I got my Sire P5R.

You could always get a different voiced pickup then what comes with the bass. And since it is a budget bass, you could always invest in better hardware (tuners and bridge) and an upgraded wiring harness.

 

[thrashingbass]

No need to "train": find a Squier you love, make it your own, and if you wish, buy the American P bass later (not required, but if it makes you happy, why not?)

I do not have an American P bass-my only Fender logo bass is a Mexican Seafoam Green Vintera I I absolutely love. Would consider buying an American P bass from the mod shop if I was affluent, because of the unique looks and options there for the price, but the Mexican bass is amazing, and the vintage style neck, superb.

I have 3 Squiers, two of them being basses-a sweet Sonic Bronco, and my beautiful, beloved 40th Anniversary "Gold" black Precision. Both have been heavily modified to personal pleasure and taste (no need to upgrade, especially with the latter, but I love both even more now!) I ended up playing the "lesser" P bass more than my Vintera, not because it is necessarily better, but because it's not really much less, and it's quite a blast to play with the DiMarzio Relentless P and roundwounds-it's just such an addictive bass to play, with truly awe-inspiring looks (to me, at least!)

Thus, the key is, even if you really want that American P bass, to find one instrument you love NOW, regardless budget.

I find both thick ("slow") and "fast" necks similarly comfortable, so even the most obvious differences do not matter much to me in particular. Most modern American P basses do not have the older, thicker profile, so I doubt most current Squier basses will differ that much from a "modern" American instrument.

With all that said, if you love an American P bass and it sounds and feels good to you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, so do not let others dissuade you if that is your ultimate goal. But no need to feel you must "suffer" through a "lesser" Squier first, as they can be really awesome just as well.